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PlantbeginnerFreshwater

Hygrophila Angustifolia

Hygrophila angustifolia

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaAcanthaceae

📍 Southeast Asia

Ask Finn

A narrow-leaved Hygrophila with long, willowy green leaves held in whorls along upright stems. Grows faster than most Hygrophila species and provides a graceful, flowing texture in the background. The fine leaf texture contrasts well with broad-leaved plants like Anubias or Cryptocoryne. Easy to grow in most conditions — one of the few Hygrophilas that maintains its narrow, elegant leaf form even in low tech.

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrients)

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale new growth, leaf holes or necrosis

Treatment

Increase fertilization frequency to 2-3 times weekly with comprehensive liquid fertilizer; add root tabs if substrate is depleted; ensure adequate lighting

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced photosynthesis, plant vigor decline

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or shrimp; manually remove affected leaves if severe

Root Rot (Poor Substrate Conditions)

Symptoms

Mushy stems, foul odor from substrate, slow growth, leaf yellowing from base upward

Treatment

Improve water circulation with gentle aeration; perform 30-50% water changes weekly; trim affected stems and replant healthy portions; ensure substrate isn't compacted

Melting (Emersion Shock)

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution, transparent or mushy stems, plant collapse within days of planting

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-8.0, temp 20-29°C); allow 2-3 weeks for acclimation; trim melted portions and allow new growth; avoid drastic water chemistry changes

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Quick Facts

co2
Not required
light
Low to high
max size
30–50 cm (12–19.5 in) tall
placement
Background
substrate
Any
growth rate
Fast

Water it likes

ph
6.0–8.0
notes
Long narrow leaves give a grass-like background texture. Very easy; suitable for beginners.
hardness
2–15 dGH
temperature
154–183°F (68–84°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Growing in0 tanks